The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Sanitising the nation’s politics

    SIR: Democracy is defined as government of the people by the people and for the people. Democracy is universally accepted as a fair and equal treatment of everyone in an organization, and their right to take part in making decisions.

    For more than a decade and four years, Nigerian leaders have been paying lip service to democracy. They often regard Nigeria as a nascent democracy. These leaders are fond of shifting blame to the past military rulers for the economic woes in the country.

    For democracy to thrive in Nigeria, violence must be removed from the politics. Once this is done, well cultivated, diligent and law abiding people of integrity, who have fear of God at heart, would participate fully in politics.

    People who are tested, well-bred and highly educated should be given room to take part in politics. A letter of recommendation from CDA should be a yardstick from any candidate seeking for political post. The idea of raising their hands up by the political godfathers should be a thing of the past, they should be allowed to face primary elections devoid of destruction and killings. Debates should also be organized for them to tell the electorates what they have in stock if voted into power.

    Proper screening should be given to those vying for elective positions, anyone found wanting should be outright disqualified.

    Corrupt politicians should be outright stigmatized, depending on the gravity of offence committed, as deterrent to the incoming leaders.

    The fabulous allowance usually given to them should be drastically reduced. Their incessant travelling to overseas country should be restricted.

    The use of data capture machine should be applicable in all elections as recently done in Ghana. This will reduce rigging and illegal massive thumb–printing of voter’s card during general elections.

    The unguided travelling abroad by the political big wigs on the ground of medical checkup should be checkmated. The federal government should improve hospitals and equip them with up-to-date equipment and manpower. Once these are in place, people clamouring for medical treatment abroadwill be reduced.

    • Prince Dapo Odewole

    Lagos, Nigeria

     

  • Professionals and the rest of us

    SIR: Corruption today in Nigeria has assumed an alarming proportion, such that if something drastically is not done to arrest the ugly situation, the nation will drift to doom. From my studies of various crimes in the country, most of them are aided and abaited by the so-called professionals. Take for example before any money could evaporate from any organization, an accountant or its equivalent must be involved facilitating the process. Could that be the teaching of accounting professional ethics? By human nature, anything can happen, most especially in a society like ours where there is no fear of God. Notwithstanding, there are institutions put in place to check our excesses, curb impunity and forge equity and justice for social stability.

    How would you perceive a situation where a thief or a murderer is caught red-handed and he/she is declared innocent until being proved guilty? To me, this aspect of the law is too weak for this modern world, and this explains why crime is increasing geometrically. It is not that I am trying to work against the principle of fundamental human rights, but there is need to be frank and realistic when occasion demands.

    Imagine a situation wherein a solicitor and a judge connive and do everything possible (having been “settled”) to make sure that a potential convict comes out of a very bad case unscratched and un-ruffled. Such practices amount to negative reinforcement which encourages other people to enroll in criminal and corrupt practices.

    I thinks there is need for professionals to contribute their quotas to the growth and development of our nation by fighting corruption tooth and nail to avert the wrath of posterity.

    • Ipadeola Jonah Adebayo

    Ibadan

  • State of emergency: Jonathan bites the bullet (2)

    State of emergency: Jonathan bites the bullet (2)

    The National Assembly is expected to endorse the president’s declaration of state of emergency with little fuss, and will pretend to understand how to circumscribe his powers and how to limit the denudation of the political structures in the affected states. But in the end, the president and his security forces will have their way. That they will have their way, however, does not imply they will succeed, for the crisis obviously requires much more tact and nuanced solutions than the president and his cabinet have given. Indeed, the president faces a herculean battle to prove that he has acted altruistically in this big gamble upon which he is staking his presidency.

    Two outcomes are possible from the imposition of emergency: it is either the Northeast is pacified and the president’s actions justified, or the crisis in the region worsens and dooms his presidency. It is more likely that the government may in no distant future find itself contending with flexible and rootless guerrilla warfare, with militants avoiding areas of strong troop concentrations in favour of more vulnerable targets, and pausing to fight only in order to score propaganda points. It is feared that the crisis, which has so far been largely localised in the Northeast, may now begin to spread more insidiously to other parts of the North and the Middle Belt. It must also be recognised that the fanaticism that drives Boko Haram militancy is akin to the one that propels the Taliban in Afghanistan. It is illogical, morally contradictory, non-ideological and offensive. For them, there is always enough deadly inspiration to make a few guerrilla fighters pin down a large force, as the Russians and Americans discovered in Afghanistan.

    In spite of the popularity of the declaration of state of emergency, its efficacy is doubtful, for the government has not appeared to reflect deeply on why the Boko Haram militancy has festered. It has festered for the same reasons many other parts of the country are exploding into mini wars and sundry, troubling and uncontrollable criminality. There are millions of unemployed and embittered youths left in the lurch, with most of them possessing little or no skills. There is deep frustration and alienation which no amount of military deployment can mollify. In fact the excesses that often accompany military involvement in internal security operations tend to worsen the problems. To the perceptive, therefore, law and order has virtually broken down everywhere, and it has little to do with Boko Haram. Borno and Yobe mayhem merely present the government a test case and an opportunity to demonstrate it can scientifically grapple with complicated problems.

    The crisis requires the president to show a deep understanding of the problem in the Northeast and other parts of the country, be wary of blaming so-called colluding elites, have the boldness to reappraise the defective paradigms of previous governments, such as a deformed federalism and an unwieldy 36-state structure, understand the psychology of the region, inspire them to support him and his initiatives, and reorganise his army into a disciplined fighting force that does not brook war crimes. If Boko Haram has taken the Northeast to the depths of depravity, Jonathan has an obligation to lead the country in a different direction where soldiers would embark on reconstruction projects, woo the local population with populist programmes in healthcare, education and entertainment, and showcase strategic thinking.

    This column fears that with the declaration of emergency and the massing of tanks, armoured cars and heavy weapons, the president has all but given up on reaching an understanding with a large part of the North, preferring instead a gunboat diplomacy to defeat the militants. A state of emergency is indeed a strong statement, but the president has not shown he has the formula to translate military victory into victory over the fundamental causes of the crisis.

    •Concluded

     

  • Understanding the coming of APC

    Understanding the coming of APC

    SIR: All of the world, the only thing that is permanent is change. Framers of constitutional democracies worldwide made provisions for change in leadership by providing for two-party system or multi-party system. They put this very important clause in place to make way for change when there is need to do so. When there is one party system, the possibility of change is no longer there.

    Nigeria is supposed to be a multi-party democracy where change is inevitable if things are not going well as they are now. But the ruling party (PDP) has held the nation hostage since 1999. The party leadership has effectively used the wealth of the nation not for productivity and economic growth but to muzzle and stifle opposition. They have effectively used the nation’s resources for themselves, their wives, children, and even generations yet unborn. Every attempt made by the opposition to come together to challenge the octopus has met with ruthless obstacles put in place by the ruling party. They use our money to corrupt our hard earned democracy and to democratize corruption. As if that is not enough they tell us that their party will rule Nigeria for 60 years, whether we like it or not.

    In 2015 Nigerians deserve change of leadership, change of attitude, change in ideas, change in character, change in strategy, change in approach, change in plans, change in focus, change in conducting the affairs of state and in conducting the business of governance. Nigerians deserve new ways of doing things, new thinking in the art of governance, new men and women in the seat of government, and a real turnaround in transforming a country endowed with both human and material resources.

    Everything that needs to be done to bring about this change is being put in place right now by committed men and women in ACN, CPC, ANPP, APGA and others. All things considered, I know that APC leaders are determined to take this project of giving Nigerians an alternative to a logical conclusion, but the biggest headache is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Is INEC fully prepared to provide a level playing ground for political parties this time around?

    The controversy surrounding the registration of the newly-formed All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a surprise for those who watch with keen interest, the unfolding events since the announcement of the birth of new the party by its proponents. There is no doubt that the opposition parties to merge caught the ruling party napping and sent down spines into nerves of the reactionary forces holding down the destiny of this nation that the hour of liberation is nigh.

    The scenario is an eye opener for the proponents for the APC of the enormity of the task before them. Also, it would afford them opportunity to know that they are on the right path and no amount of intimidation that would let them not to register the party and produce a credible candidate to contest on the platform of the party.

    The struggle to reclaim Nigeria is going to be a serious battle because we are dealing with people without conscience, hearts, minds, souls, heads, eyes and brains. The major objective of the APC is to fix Nigeria. The merger has become very necessary in order to save our democracy and the likelihood of turning Nigeria into a one-party state, which does not augur well for our nascent democracy.

     

    • Ademola Orunbon

    Epe, Lagos State.

  • Will the emergency rule work?

    Will the emergency rule work?

    SIR: President Goodluck Jonathan shocked Nigerians when he declared emergency rule in three northern states of Borno, Nasarawa and Yobe in a national broadcast.

    Perhaps, they were caught napping not because it is an entirely new phenomenon to them or because the troubled states did not deserve such a drastic measure to curb the growing insecurity in the land.

    People were surprised that President Jonathan could muster the courage to take such a courageous decision at this crucial time that his administration has been labeled as non-performing, slow and directionless.

    Until now, the nation’s perilous security situation has been a source of concern which the President had acknowledged as “reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North”.

    Any civilized society should do all legitimate things to denounce and condemn such lawlessness and wickedness as attacks by Boko Haram and other splinter groups had led to clashes with government security forces, resulting into extrajudicial killings said to have claimed almost 4,000 people since 2009.

    Declaring states of emergency may not be a bad idea provided the action will bring about sanity and peace in the polity. It is a decision borne out of necessity.

    The security agencies should be prevented from abusing the enormous power bestowed upon them. Secondly, the activities of politicians in the three states should be checked such that this anomaly of the declared state of emergency will not be used to hunt and persecute their perceived enemies.

    It is curious that state governors are not removed from office in the new dispensation as against the usual practice in the past. Efforts should be made by the government to control the influx of suspected criminals into the country through our porous borders. This will largely help to stop the proliferation of arms and availability of vulnerable volunteers for insurgents.

    That is where the promise by the President that diplomatic channels will be deployed at apprehending terrorist elements that may escape across the border, is apt.

    What now becomes the fate of the Boko Haram Committee? Is it a way to ‘shut-them-up from doing a good job? Will this emergency rule work with all the political appointees in those states intact? Are we playing politics with this controversial declaration? These and many other questions will certainly be running in the minds of the people.

     

    • Adewale Kupoluyi

    Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

     

  • Almajiris and the scourge of Boko haram

    Almajiris and the scourge of Boko haram

    SIR: The Boko Haram menace did not start in a day. The adage that says “An idle hand is the devils workshop” rings true with the case of the Almajiri’s. How can parents who give birth to children throw them to the streets to fend for their selves? Instead of sending them to proper schools, they are enrolled in Arabic teaching centres where they are taught about Islam. Islamic clerics who are supposed to act as teachers and mentors use the opportunity to introduce radical beliefs thereby brainwashing these pupils as tools of violence that then go about killing innocent people and being suicidal in nature.

    The meaning of the name ‘Almajiri’-implies Islamic student. For those of us fortunate to have lived in the north, we see these Almajiri’s in large numbers loitering around the streets wearing tattered clothes with bowl in their hands looking for the next available meal. The question is, if these young kids grow up, what will be their fate?

    They see the rich getting richer (who send their children to the best schools at home and abroad). The state government and religious leaders of the north are to be held responsible for this dereliction of duty where lack of proper enlightenment of the masses on health and welfare, benefits of family planning, provision of educational institutions have been neglected by those entrusted to govern these regions. Yet, they use government funds meant for the citizens of the state to enrich themselves and are now wondering how Boko Haram has become a menace.

    • Babajide Awobiyi

    Sabo-Yaba, Lagos.

     

  • The undeclared revolution

    The undeclared revolution

    SIR: There is a consensus among a broad spectrum of Nigerians including respectable folks that to salvage the country from its pathetic state and set it on the part to real growth and development requires a revolution. Many declare that the country is ripe for one; some say it’s even long overdue. Indeed the conditions that inspire revolution abound in the country.

    However, a debate has raged on whether Nigerians have what it takes to make revolution. This question particularly came to the fore at the height of the Arab Spring. For some, the answer is no. These base their judgment on the argument that the citizens are so hopelessly divided and lack the pluck so crucial for a revolution. For some others, Nigerians have all it takes to rise up against the unhealhy status quo and could do exactly that once their burden becomes totally unbearable.

    Another question has been what nature the revolution will take. Is it going to be peaceful or bloody? While most citizens acknowledge the likelihood of revolutions to turn brutal, they, however, make it clear that they would rather have one devoid of violence. Such revolution would have to be properly planned and possibly led by intellectuals or the labour unions.

    But while Nigerians debate the above questions and ponder who would lead the revolution, when etc., a revolution is going on right under their nose. Yes, a revolution is currently going on in the country but has remained largely unacknowledged because it is neither taking the form majority of the people envisages nor led by personalities they recognize.

    With the possible exemption of the civil war years, the security challenge currently facing the country is almost unprecedented. Armed groups are unleashing mayhem and overrunning parts of the country, robbers, kidnappers and other felons are on rampage. Security agents are becoming some of the most vulnerable citizens, the authority of the state is being seriously challenged. This is the undeclared revolution. It may seem a strange one, but then, we live in a strange land.

    While the majority moderates dally, the minority extremists and criminal elements are already engaged in a grim struggle to either mold the state to their grisly taste or seize from it whatever they fancy. Unlike the rest of the people, criminals and extremists across the country do not need to be united or form committees to begin their revolution. Their goal is not noble, their success therefore will spell disaster; they’ll bring the house down on everyone. The situation is that serious and requires equally serious and urgent measures.

    Moderates and responsible members of society must recognize that the much talked about revolution is already on but unfortunately is spearheaded by the wrong fellows. They must now take the bull by the horn, they must now launch their own revolution or should I say counterrevolution. The time for futile talks is long gone, the issues of the moment call for action. Men of goodwill must get ready to reclaim the country from incompetents and forever banish from the polity, individuals who do not mean well for the country and whose deeds led to the present sorry situation.

    The task of restoring the dignity and integrity of the state is one that cannot wait; the citizen’s confidence in the state must be quickly restored through good governance. This is the most credible means to stem the advance of the dark forces of anarchy.

    • Nnoli Chidiebere

    Abia State.

     

     

  • Airtel, refund my N900

    Airtel, refund my N900

    SIR: I have heard several complaints of illegal deductions by telecoms operators in Nigeria and had noticed in passing minimal reduction in my airtime a couple of times in the past, but none shook me to my marrow like the incident of Sunday, May 5.

    On the said day, I had loaded N1500 worth of airtime on my Airtel line (08127270177) to activate my Black Berry subscription having been disconnected on May 1 as against the May 9 the company originally told me my subscription should elapse.

    After sending BCM to 440 to hook up my BB, the exercise failed after several attempts only to receive an SMS that “you still have active service” with accompanying deductions coming via SMS.

    Miffed by the development, I called 121 (customer care line) and a staff confirmed that some illegal deductions had taken place on my account and as such I can’t be connected on BB since the money left was N665, indicating that N900 had been deducted by the operator for no service done me.

    He thus told me that the complaint had been forwarded to the appropriate unit for redress (refund of my money) and an SMS to authenticate this was sent reading “Your case ID is ANG201305057098376”. Six days later, Airtel responded via SMS again informing me that the case had been resolved, but to my utmost chagrin, my account is yet to be credited with the sum.

     

    • Clarkson Eberu

    Rutam House, Lagos

     

  • From the cell phone

    For Olatunji Dare

     

    Governor Chime is a cat with nine lives. He will outlive his detractors. Dare, keep shooting. Eko oni baje. From Nelson Egere, Owerri

    If I were Dr. Chime, I would not join issues with those who wished him dead because only God knows best about who will live and those whose time have come to an end. These people do not have political pedigree in the state. Rather, they are political liabilities who always look for the downfall of their leader. Obasanjo had the same experience on many occasions but today he is still waxing stronger and laughing at them. Chime, they can not remove a strand of hair from your head not to talk of killing you. Only God will decide your exit not human. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Docyard Apapa, Lagos

    Your piece “A morbid obsession” is a master piece . I cannot blame the originator of the rumour. The ball is now in Governor Chime’s court. He should now come out in the open to dispel this rumour. Afterall, a lie frequently told becomes a truth. From Ojo A. Ayodele, Emure Ekiti

    Re: A morbid obsession. Jokes aside, you now see the freedom of information in action albeit its repercussions. How do we fault such hot news being hourly-specific, death-specific, place-specific, personality-specific and standby-specific! It is not all the persistent rumour. I calls for someone’s death prolongs his/her life; other times, such rumoured death calls the death for that person. For Governor Sullivan Chime, his persistent rumoured death shall quicken his recovery, prolong his life and consequently shame his detractors in God’s name. Amen. From Lanre Oseni

    It is unfortunate, this is the country where public officers go on four/five months accumulated vacation without any explanation to those paying their bills. Even when all can see the sickness, maybe they think a state burial is more honourable. His five-minute state broadcast will solve all the rumour. Anonymous

    Chime has enemies in his cabinet because a man from Oyo cannot know his movenment to India. He must be careful and prayerful. From Baba Shola, Okada, Edo State

    Re: A morbid obsession: Sometimes I wonder which of the sectors ( media, power, oil or aviation) is more sick than the other. I believe there are international ethics for publishing news, though I am not a jounalist. But such unfathomal stories go a long way to tell how decayed our national system of operation is From Pastor John Benson Okpe

    Whatever one prays for others will surely come back to one. I cannot see the reason some people would be having sleepless night thinking of evil for Chime or trying to set him back for all tthe good things he plans for the people of Enugu. Anonymous

    From the circumstantial evidence, it is hard to conclude that those media that reported Governor Chime’s death were wrong or right in the first place. For example, what of if Chime had actualy died and was later revived when the news of his death had already gone to town? No nomal person can wish a fellow human being dead, no matter what. But when the death has actually occured, (especialy that of such a public figure), it is still proper the curious public be told of it accordingly. Afterall, death being an inevitable end of all of us comes when it must come. But when what should be ordinarily made public in the interest of all is rather shrouded in mystery, the fallible reporter as the watch-dog of the society should be entitled to draw his own conclusions based on the evidence without being liable to prosecution or penalty. Hence, the public is entitled to be informed. From Emmanuel Egwu, Enugu.

     

    For Segun Gbadegesin

     

    Segun, in one sentence, l tell you this in spite of all your indefensible averments that APC can only succeed if PDP stalwarts decamp and take over APC. Yet, APC cannot make them new humans! Anonymous

    I do not know why Nigerians are joining issues with the likes of Okupe and Dokubo who lack moral ground. Okupe knows that he has no political pedigree in his home town and in Nigeria in general. He promised to change his name or people should stop calling him Okupe if APC did not crumble within one year. He is still living in the past. He worked as an attacked dog for for the former president and later dumped like a remnant food. Dokubo has a very short memory who talk yesterday and forgot what he said. He has reduced himself to a common jester because of his unguarded utterances. He will praise you today and tomorrow he will attack you. Whether the duo like it or not, APC has come to stay. They will swallow their words when the time comes. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Lagos.

    Asari thought that his stupid languages will help Jonathan in 2015. We voted him in, we are ready to vote him out. From Joe, Kaduna.

    I am one of your admirers who, indeed, sees you as a role model, but I am sorry to let you know that Asari is very right on this issue. Anonymous

    Though your article on ‘scaremonger and APC’ is interesting, I am more concerned about a rejoinder from Mike Adeyinka, who is unhappy about readers’, reaction to the 45-jail term for a fraudster. Please tell Adeyinka that people are unappeased for the following reasons: the belief, rightly or wrongly, that most of the victims are themselves not honest. (2) Justice in our country is for the rich and powerful. (3) The amount he duped those victims pales significantly, from what people like Maina have pillaged and for which they have been jailed three months or at most two years. God bless you for publishing my rejoinder to a rejoinder. Anonymous

    It seems Okupe and his co-travellers still do not understand the politics of this our great nation. He said we should stop calling him his name if after one year APC is not dead. He and Dokubo have forgotten when the youth of Abacha era stood up and said, Youth Earnestly Ask for Abacha (YEAA). When the APC is eventually registered, they will realise that they have been living in fools paradise. The duo are political jobbers who do not have the interest of the nation at heart but theirs. They are still living in the past when people with integrity are compromised. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Docyard Lagos.

    Segun, it looks as if you have an exalted opinion of the abilities of the emerging APC. The truth is that some leaders of the merger will hardly give up vested interests without a fight. The pretentious resolute strength in attitudes of these leaders is deceptive for they carry failure on their faces. They do not harbour tempers that win political battles. From Micah J. Gomwen

    Uncle Sege, l do not think you need to waste your time and energy writing about Okupe and Asari Dokubo who beat drums of war as if they will not be consumed by it. Tell Okupe to get back to his trade before it is too late. Yoruba have never been lazy people and Asari can return to the creek to continue his trade. Anonymous

    The so called political merger of the three parties is a mere political gambling by a set of frustrated politicians with inordinate ambition. There is nothin interesting or fasinating about it. It is a mere pursuit of selfish political relevance by Buhari from regional to a national mission of vendetta, when he loses out again. I pity the fatal loss of AD/ACN political identity. From Dr. H. O. Ohuei, Kaduna

    APC you are ‘too much’, Nigerians are solidly behind you jare. Anonymous.

     

    For Gbenga Omotoso

     

    Just finished reading your article, sir, I enjoy the piece. God bless you. From Biyi Olanibi, Akure

    Thank you for your piece. You have not ceased to interest me as a commentator.

    Isn’t there a Saka in all of us? What a question! Anonymous

    I was happy with you the way you married a light issue with a topical issue and you still maintain cordiality with your point of view. I plead gratitude for making me laugh after reading. From Folarin Olaniyi Duro, Lagos

    What a great article I never knew you to be such a humorous /comedic person. Your article reminds me of a great Afro beat musician, Fela Anikulakpo Kuti of blessed memory, who in one of his tracks “surfing and smiling” even amid hardship Nigerians still smile but “an induced smile” that does not last more than a minute. What Nigerians need at this hard time is not all these adverts cum endless promotions but good service whereby calls are not marred by bad networks. Where calls are made without hearing the person at the other end cannot get voicing from the other end but charges made for no fault of the subscribers. Please let us forget all these gimmicks of all the service providers and treat realities. From Kent Agoha, Umuahia

    Our leaders have been reduced to common jesters, their inability to make Nigerians laugh. All the comedians should try to do what they know best to keep Nigerians laughing. I did not even remember when I laughed last because we are always frowning. I am not expected to be laughing because our country is also not laughing. They say he who laughs last laughs best. May we be the best in this country. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Docyard, Lagos

    I just laughed now to answer your question. Why? Because I read Saka ported, Etizalat paid Saka meagre thousands like a clown but Saka ported to MTN for millions, smart ass. I cannot remember how long our political looters have been porting parties to make millions. From Oladimeji Lawal

    When I collected my admission letter, that was the only time Nigeria made me laugh. From Mr. White, Ondo

    Only you could beat Saka in life’s real comedy. Thank you for your witty essay that has surplus humour flavoured with your power of huge intellect. Anonymous

    I try to laugh sometimes, most of the times I only succeed in releasing ‘polluted gas’. I do not know who can make me laugh, until yesterday when I noticed the horrified look on Saka as he turned and screamed I don port o. it seemed he was undergoing some distress, or even terrified. I said, “na by force to port?” First time reading you, now I am hooked. From Count of Monte Cristo

     

    For Tunji Adegboyega

    Re: Jonathan for life! (Your column of Sunday, May 12, 2013 refers). The more rubbish we condone in Nigeria, the more corruption grows; the more unsettled and insecure we become. I have no respect for those who claim to be ethnic activists. Is it Dokubo’s fault? But, if the short is unwise, what of the tall? And Frederick Fasheun as well as Gani Adams are happy partaking and sharing the loot on securing the fuel pipelines instead of kicking against such a leakage! There can’t be a life presidency in Nigeria. Quite unfortunate the drift of Nigeria is multi-faceted. None has sent Dokubo, Kuku, Fasheun and Adams those messages. From Lanre Oseni.

    Asari Dokubo should show Nigerians where it is written in the constitution that the presidency shall be ‘turn-by-turn’ and once elected, the President must be re-elected for a second term, or that he must spend two terms or eight years. Let him do that before we begin to take him serious. From Tunde Adeniji, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Tunji, your article “Jonathan for ife!” was satirical. It assured educated Nigerians that a serious message can be given on the pages of newspapers and the uninitiated (like Asari Dokubo) may not decode it. We are lucky to have writers like you. Keep it up. From Hassan, Gboko, Benue State.

    Your piece on” Jonathan for life” explains why our president deserves another term. Dokubo is enjoying, not minding millions of Nigerians in abject poverty. From Biyi Olalemi, Akute, Ogun State.

    Tunji, those who live in glass houses should never throw stones. Without the wealth of Niger Delta, Nigeria would be a church rat of a nation. No history of ancient Yoruba nation can produce a pint of petroleum oil for Nigeria today. Niger Delta is larger than Togo, Sierra Leone, and Dahomey. Respect the small man. Human life has equal value. Keep fit. From Prof Agustine.

    Brother, don’t blame those loud speakers, the duo of Kuku and Dokubo, blame the kingmaker that gave us the President now controlling 180million people. Anyway, I support your suggestion ‘Jona oko Dame for life’ (Jonathan, Dame’s husband for life!) 2015 is around the corner. From Pastor Sam Ayo, Oke Aro, Ogun State.

    Why must the government engage OPC and other groups to monitor the pipelines? Does it mean our security agencies are not up and doing in their job? Why are they paying them since they cannot do their primary assignment of guarding the petroleum pipelines to avoid vandalism? From Gordon Chika Nnorom.

    I read your inspiring column always. You sound like Steve on Fridays. Keep talking truth; “the walls”, they say, “have ears”. From Mrs. Gift, Port Harcourt.

    You have almost unveiled greedy Nigerians for us to see. Keep it up and God bless you. From Lanre- Elyon Fagbolagun, Ile-Ife.

    Your comment and analysis on page 17 of The Nation on Sunday May 12 is food for thought. What is your opinion on similar threats by two Fulani, Muhammadu Buhari and Lawal Kaita? Or is it not necessary, even though Dokubo’s came later? Yoruba ronu (Yoruba, think). Anonymous.

    Re: Champagne champions (your column of May 5). Perhaps the printer’s devil! Paragraph 5, line 2 ‘taking’ was mistaken for ‘taken’. But if France takes first position as highest consumers of champagne in the world, they are worth that because they would think with it. They will invent with it. They will innovate with it and they would solve problems with it. They have clinched the IMF presidency. They have resolved and stabilised Mali’s instability. They are a world power. Nigeria’s second position in champagne consumption in the globe does not toe the above development indices. Ours portrays underdevelopment, ostentation and bandwagon effect. We copy worse than owners! Unfortunate! From Lanre Oseni.

     

  • State of emergency: Jonathan bites the bullet (1)

    State of emergency: Jonathan bites the bullet (1)

    Last week, rumours were rife that President Goodluck Jonathan would declare a state of emergency in either a part or the whole of the Northeast. But presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, responded that no decision had been reached on the matter, even though media reports strongly suggested the decision had all but been reached and was only awaiting the president’s proclamation. Dr Abati was careful not to dismiss the speculations in their entirety. Finally, yesterday, the president issued the proclamation and declared a state of emergency in three Northeast states, instead of the five earlier speculated. The affected states are Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, which have all suffered varying degrees of Boko Haram extremism. The inclusion of Adamawa surprised many.

    The president justified his emergency declaration on the grounds that the scale of killings, not only of innocent civilians, but also of security agents, made his “extraordinary measures to restore normality” inevitable. In addition, he reasoned, a large swath of Borno State in particular had been overrun by terrorists and insurgents. No self-respecting president would allow the territorial integrity of his country to be violated at will, nor stand idly by as citizens were taken hostage by terror groups, he concluded. But the easiest part of a state of emergency is declaring it. The government will hope that merely declaring state of emergency will be a sufficient deterrent to lawlessness. However, as Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and even Turkey have shown at various times in their histories, declaring a state of emergency has proved to be virtually nugatory without a corresponding attempt to grapple with the fundamental problems causing the crisis.

    Unlike Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Jonathan stressed that the governors and the political institutions of the three states would continue to function during the emergency period. That is of course unrealistic. By insisting that he expects all and sundry, including the political leadership of the affected states, to cooperate “maximally” with the security forces, the implication is that the military commanders in those states will become the de facto rulers of the three states. As everyone knows, when de facto meets de jure, the latter is often left shamefaced. But it is not only the executive, legislative and judicial arms that would be hamstrung by a state of emergency, even the ordinary citizen will discover that the powers of detention granted the security forces have effectively suspended habeas corpus.

    The president explains the powers granted the security forces thus: “This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lockdown of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.” The challenge will be how to deploy these enormous powers without suffocating those states and further alienating and humiliating their people. For, already, the scale of alienation in those places has reached impossible levels.

    By succumbing to the option of state of emergency, Dr Jonathan is in effect saying the insurgency in those states and all other terrorist acts perpetrated there will respond to military solution or strong-arm tactics. It is true the president was expected to take firm measures to halt the slide to chaos, but it is doubtful whether more troops, more force and further abridgment of the democratic processes in those beleaguered state are the panaceas required to re-establish peace and normality. The problems have become too deep-seated to respond to shock and awe.

     

    •To be concluded tomorrow